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Impact of a pharmacist-led medication review on hospital readmission in a pediatric and elderly population: study

Pierre Renaudin1,2, Karine Baumstarck3, Aurélie Daumas4

  • 1Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital La Timone, Service Pharmacie, Marseille, F-13000, France. renaudin.pierre@ap-hm.fr.

Trials
|February 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pharmacist-led medication reviews reduce hospital readmissions and deaths in elderly and pediatric patients. This randomized trial assessed medication reconciliation

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Patient Safety
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Early hospital readmission is a significant public health concern, often linked to adverse drug events.
  • Dysfunctional care transitions and medication discrepancies contribute to readmissions, particularly in vulnerable pediatric and geriatric populations.
  • Pharmacy-led medication reviews are effective in reducing discrepancies during hospital transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led medication reviews on hospital readmission and mortality rates.
  • To assess the effect of medication reconciliation on patient treatment satisfaction in high-risk populations.
  • To provide robust evidence through a large randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 1400 hospitalized patients.
  • Two groups: experimental (pharmacist-led medication review) and control (usual care).
  • Medication review includes reconciliation, treatment review, and liaison services; primary endpoint is 30-day readmission/mortality.

Main Results:

  • The study aims to determine the effectiveness of pharmacist-led medication reviews in reducing readmissions and/or death.
  • Secondary endpoints include readmission rates, emergency department visits, mortality, and patient satisfaction.
  • Results will inform best practices for medication management during hospital transitions.

Conclusions:

  • Randomized controlled trials offer strong evidence for interventions impacting hospital readmissions.
  • Pharmacist-led medication reviews are crucial for improving care transitions and patient safety.
  • This study will clarify the benefits for pediatric and geriatric populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Clinical pharmacyGeriatricsMedication reconciliationMedication reviewPediatricsPharmacistsRandomized controlled trial

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